Friday, May 23, 2014

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Diana Spencer came to Boulder with a name suited for royalty. Better known as Di, she quickly became a fan favorite, and more-importantly a teammate favorite, with her fun-loving personality and big heart.

How could you not adore a girl who lists some of her favorite things as: Elvis, Scooby Doo, the Golden Girls, James Dean, and Peeps.

Di is everything you could want in a teammate. No matter what, she was always willing to put, you, and the team before herself.

As another teammate, Tera wrote, Di was the "type of player who was selfless, encouraging and committed to our team. Off the court, Di was fun loving, supportive and had a laugh that was contagious."

Di, Kate and I as Freshmen. (1999)

I was lucky enough to be in the same class as Di. Naturally, we became pretty close friends after four years together at CU. We share a lot of memories: some difficult, some funny. But the moments that come to mind when I think of Di immediately put a smile on my face.

A few 'Di' highlights:
I remember Di taking control of a stuffed duck while we rode around Boulder in Eisha's car -- bringing that toy to life, and having it dance and sing away as onlookers couldn't help but laugh and smile.

The epitome of Di as a teammate.

I remember running along side Di during one of the many Saturday Breakfast Club runs -- trying to help Di keep her mind off how tired she was, so that she'd make her 5k time and get a few pre-season Saturdays off.

I remember Di saying hello to virtually every person we passed on campus with a big smile on her face, and when you asked her what their name was, she'd have no idea. But regardless, she remembered their faces and wanted to say hi.

I remember Sunday omelettes too. Di makes an amazing omelette that she'd occasionally treat her teammates and friends to on lazy off days.

Always up for a good time.

And other moments that will remain just between teammates.

I'm going to venture a guess, and say that anyone who has ever spent any time with Di, doesn't smile at the mention of her name. You can't help it.

In just a few days when she visited me one season in Germany, the support staff and my teammates loved her. At various times throughout the remainder of the season, long after she'd gone, they'd ask me how my friend Di was doing.Time to Support Di
Why now, of all times, am I writing about Di?

Di was recently diagnosed with MS and now it’s time for us to give her our support.

Di at the Alumni game in 2008.

Buffs4Life, an organization that helps former University of Colorado athletes in need, is hosting a Family Fun Run on June 22 at the Omni Interlocken Resort.

All funds raised from this event and money donated will go directly to Di, assisting with out of pocket medical expenses. Buffs4Life also will match 100% of all proceeds raised.

Whether you were her teammate, a friend or a fan, we invite you to join us for this “Fun Run” to support Di. I plan on being there!

Even though we're scattered throughout the country, and in some cases the world, Buffs are always one.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

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Time for an update! Originally I posted a Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 reminder in March of 2013, but as time goes on, things change.

With 2014, new Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists have surfaced.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes a shopper's guide to help consumers avoid high amounts of harmful pesticides on fruit and vegetables.

The Dirty Dozen (known as the Dirty Dozen Plus, as of 2012) is a list made up of fresh fruits and vegetables that were found to have the highest amount of pesticide residues. Because of the high pesticide levels, it is recommended to always buy Dirty Dozen produce organically.

On the other hand, the Clean 15 is a list of the 15 fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticide residues. Many of these items have thick skins or rinds that are pealed off, and never eaten, therefore it's not as imperative to buy them organically.

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About Me

Native Oregonian. Lover of all things Northwest -- from the beautiful scenery, to the Blazers, Timbers and Thorns, Nike, and local food spots.

CU Buff for life. Attended & graduated from the University of Colorado (Psychology degree). Go Buffs!

10 year professional basketball veteran -- now retired (2 seasons in Italy, Portugal, Poland, Bosnia, 2 seasons in Sweden, Germany, & lastly, 2 seasons in France). Basketball shaped me into the person I am today -- the things I learned on (& off) the court have been invaluable learning experiences and character builders.

Thinker and learner -- and striving to maximize life's potential!

Blogger about my unique experiences, travels and passions. Love hearing feedback -- positive and negative!
Occasionally a blogger, as an 'international perspective', for SLAM Magazine Online. If you want more basketball-specific topics, that's where to find it!